The Lamar Utility Board held a brief meeting, approving purchase orders and payment of bills. A bid for underground junction boxes for $5,357 was approved to maintain stock inventory. Light Plant Superintendent, Houssin Hourieh, explained that some of these will be used as parts of the electrical infrastructure for the proposed dormitory pod for Lamar Community College.

Hourieh explained that given the recent tornadic and severe thunderstorms that have swept across the area, a minimum of two workers and one supervisor are on standby to respond to a power outage during the weekends. “Usually we have more of a staff on call for snowstorms, but we can anticipate that type of weather and check our employee schedules and prepare for an outage,” he explained.

Hourieh also displayed a photo of pole wiring and what appeared to be a standard, orange-colored extension cord that was connected to a junction on the pole. “Our guys found this recently. Somebody along East Pearl Street hooked this up to bring power into their house or business in some way,” he said. Aside from the fact that the act itself is a crime and charges will be pressed, Hourieh stated that the element of danger was great for trying to get free electricity. He added, “They took a big risk, especially for the process of going up there on the pole to make the connection. Depending on how you hook this up, you could really hurt yourself.”

No storms were involved, but on May 21st, repair crews responded about 1,000 feet east of the intersection of Highway 196 and 385 to replace a power pole, knocked down by a vehicle. Power went down at 8am for portions of Holly, Hartman and the Bristol areas of the county and was restored by 11am that morning. The Plant’s maintenance crews also replaced a failed underground circuit at the 400 Block of North Main Street. Other recent work consists of relocating the 25kv three phase underground line at Prowers Medical Center and replacing a cracked bushing on a substation power transformer in Holly.

The LUB Financial Statements for the first quarter of 2015 show that cash is down from December 2014 by $100,843 and accounts receivable decreased by $23,731. Total operating revenues for the year are $3,125,951 and costs are $2,505,222 for a gross operating profit of $620,730. This translates to a net profit of $104,243, year to date. The board went into executive session for legal questions regarding the Lamar Repowering Project assets.